Holistic assessment of marijuana use in Aboriginal Youth Population for Health Care Professionals
- be aware of health determinant risk factors such as poverty, poor mental health and history of substance misuse
- health professionals should be educated in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the medicine wheel in relations to health balance
- assess the Aboriginal Youth for knowledge and understanding of the physical and psychological effects of marijuana use, and the impact they could cause on their friends and family
- assess the Aboriginal Youth about their social network, family history, medical history, living situation, financial situation, spirituality, and substance use history to get a baseline in care planning
- encourage the Aboriginal youth population to use the self-assessment tool to determine whether they have a marijuana addiction
- check for understanding from the youth in regards to the nature of addiction
- offer treatment options such as abstinence or harm reduction approach
- understand cultural values and traditions of the different bands to educate youth in regards to specific values
- determine if the Aboriginal Youth have access to Aboriginal Elders for support
- connect Aboriginal Youths with support systems such as peer support groups, elders, family,
- be aware of health determinant risk factors such as poverty, poor mental health and history of substance misuse
- health professionals should be educated in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the medicine wheel in relations to health balance
- assess the Aboriginal Youth for knowledge and understanding of the physical and psychological effects of marijuana use, and the impact they could cause on their friends and family
- assess the Aboriginal Youth about their social network, family history, medical history, living situation, financial situation, spirituality, and substance use history to get a baseline in care planning
- encourage the Aboriginal youth population to use the self-assessment tool to determine whether they have a marijuana addiction
- check for understanding from the youth in regards to the nature of addiction
- offer treatment options such as abstinence or harm reduction approach
- understand cultural values and traditions of the different bands to educate youth in regards to specific values
- determine if the Aboriginal Youth have access to Aboriginal Elders for support
- connect Aboriginal Youths with support systems such as peer support groups, elders, family,
Self-Assessment Quiz
These questions will help you determine whether or not you or those around you, have a problem with marijuana abuse (ADES, 2006 & PDFC, 2013)
1. Do smoke marijuana for pleasure? Do you ever smoke for reasons other than fun?
2. Does your life revolve around marijuana use?
3. Do you smoke alone?
4. Do you worry about running out of pot and get anxious when you can't get more?
5. Do you avoid dealing with your emotions, problems and or responsibilities by smoking weed?
6. Do you find it hard to imagine living without marijuana?
7. Has your use of marijuana caused problems with your memory, concentration, or motivation?
8. Have you tried to cut back or quit smoking pot before and failed?
9. Have your friends or family expressed concern about your lifestyle or pot use?
10. Do you ever substitute another substance, like alcohol, when weed is not around?
If you answer yes to even a single of the preceding, you may have a problem with marijuana, and you may want to consider whether marijuana in your life takes more than it gives.
None of us plan on addiction when we begin experimenting with marijuana, but for 10% of us, addicted is where we end up. Once addicted, when you try to quit there is a syndrome of withdrawal, and some people find it tough to get past the discomfort and cravings.
Go to our resources page for a list of services that you can contact to get help or answer any questions you may have.
1. Do smoke marijuana for pleasure? Do you ever smoke for reasons other than fun?
2. Does your life revolve around marijuana use?
3. Do you smoke alone?
4. Do you worry about running out of pot and get anxious when you can't get more?
5. Do you avoid dealing with your emotions, problems and or responsibilities by smoking weed?
6. Do you find it hard to imagine living without marijuana?
7. Has your use of marijuana caused problems with your memory, concentration, or motivation?
8. Have you tried to cut back or quit smoking pot before and failed?
9. Have your friends or family expressed concern about your lifestyle or pot use?
10. Do you ever substitute another substance, like alcohol, when weed is not around?
If you answer yes to even a single of the preceding, you may have a problem with marijuana, and you may want to consider whether marijuana in your life takes more than it gives.
None of us plan on addiction when we begin experimenting with marijuana, but for 10% of us, addicted is where we end up. Once addicted, when you try to quit there is a syndrome of withdrawal, and some people find it tough to get past the discomfort and cravings.
Go to our resources page for a list of services that you can contact to get help or answer any questions you may have.
Assessment and Treatment Workbook
The workbook below, created by the Centre for Addictions Research of BC and funded by BC Mental Health and Addiction Services (2012), is an excellent tool to explore ones personal view, experience with and treatment plans with substance use. Though not directed at any one substance, this tool is valuable understand where one is at with their use or misuse.
References:
Alcohol-Drug Education Service (ADES). (2006). Marijuana myths. Retrieved from http://ades.bc.ca/assets/pdf's/Marijuana_Myths.pdf.
Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC). (2012). You and substance use: Stuff to think about...and ways to make changes. Retrieved from http://heretohelp.bc.ca/sites/default/files/you_and_substance_use_workbook.pdf.
Partnership for a Drug-free Canada (PDFC). (2013). Marijuana myths. Retrieved from http://www.canadadrugfree.org/drug-info/illegal-drugs/marijuana/marijuana-myths/.
Alcohol-Drug Education Service (ADES). (2006). Marijuana myths. Retrieved from http://ades.bc.ca/assets/pdf's/Marijuana_Myths.pdf.
Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC). (2012). You and substance use: Stuff to think about...and ways to make changes. Retrieved from http://heretohelp.bc.ca/sites/default/files/you_and_substance_use_workbook.pdf.
Partnership for a Drug-free Canada (PDFC). (2013). Marijuana myths. Retrieved from http://www.canadadrugfree.org/drug-info/illegal-drugs/marijuana/marijuana-myths/.
Presentation created by Nicola Bancroft, Maureen Jenkins, Corrine Painter & Tanya Sutherland